Another Reason to Take More Breaks

Working long hours, while taking only short breaks or no breaks at all, can have negative consequences. Take medical workers. Researchers have found that staff members wash their hands less frequently at the end of their shifts than at the start. And they’re even more neglectful if they’ve been engaged in intense tasks. This is a big problem, especially in hospitals, where germs and bacteria can lead to infections, but it’s not unique to doctors and nurses. Workers of all stripes — meaning you and me — suffer from the same problem. When we’re tired and overworked, we tend to neglect secondary duties and responsibilities. But there is some good news: taking a long break from work can make us more diligent.